In an ever evolving educational landscape, Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) are working together to equip religious teachers with modern, impactful teaching methods that harmonise Islamic educational principles with contemporary learning approaches.
This initiative is embodied in the Pedagogical Enhancement Programme for Religious Teachers: Improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning in the Context of Islamic Education, a programme designed to ensure that teachers are equipped with advanced pedagogical tools and knowledge to deliver engaging, effective lessons.
Acting Assistant Director of the Department of Educators Management and Head of the Teachers Unit at Brunei Darussalam Leadership and Teacher Academy (BDLTA) Dr Roslena binti Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Johari is one of the driving forces behind the programme.
“Our collaboration with the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), has allowed us to develop a well-rounded, impactful programme,” she shared.
“SHBIE’s academic expertise and research-based approach, paired with BDLTA’s insights into Brunei Darussalam’s school environments, creates a CPD (continuous professional development) model that supports long-term improvements among our educators.”
INTEGRATING FAITH AND LEARNING
The Pedagogical Enhancement Programme for Religious Teachers aims to integrate Islamic education with Brunei’s broader educational system, following the recent initiative to bring religious subjects into mainstream classrooms.
“The integration of religious subjects into the mainstream education system commenced on November 1, 2023,” said Assistant Professor Pengiran Dr Norhazlin binti Pengiran Haji Muhammad from SHBIE. She explained that this programme serves as an essential bridge between traditional Islamic teaching methods and modern pedagogical practices that align with SPN21, Brunei’s student-centred National Education System for the 21st Century.
The programme, which began in July and concluded in mid-October 2024, brings together educators from both government and private primary schools.
Dr Roslena noted, “We focus on enhancing teachers’ foundational and advanced skills, providing them with tools to engage students through creativity, inquiry, and active learning techniques.”
She added that fostering a supportive professional network among teachers is equally important, as it empowers educators to share best practices and collaborate on innovative teaching strategies.
OBJECTIVE AND SKILLS ENHANCEMENT
The main objective of the programme is clear: to empower religious teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to make their lessons engaging, relevant, and impactful.
Teachers learn lesson-planning models such as 4MAT, a method that helps them create structured, effective lesson plans tailored to their students’ diverse learning needs.
SHBIE and BDLTA designed the programme with an emphasis on fostering creativity and providing teachers with hands-on training.
Assistant Professor Pengiran Dr Norhazlin pointed out, “The programme encourages teachers to experiment with new teaching methods. It introduces them to project-based learning, inquiry-led sessions, and even digital teaching aids that can make Islamic studies more accessible and appealing for young students.”
By blending theory and practice, the programme helps teachers grasp educational psychology principles and integrate them into their lessons, creating a more personalised approach to Islamic education.
Religious teacher Ustazah Siti Erdawati binti Haji Jumat from Chung Ching Primary School in Seria described her experience, stating that the workshop has provided updated teaching methods and resources tailored specifically for Islamic education.
“It’s encouraged interactive learning and knowledge-sharing, helping us better engage our students.”
RELEVANCE TO TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
To ensure the programme’s content meets the current needs and challenges of Brunei’s classrooms, BDLTA and SHBIE carefully considered the teaching environment religious educators encounter today.
“Incorporating SPN21 principles and active learning methods into the curriculum was essential,” said Dr Roslena.
“This student-centred approach aligns with Brunei’s national education goals and allows teachers to engage students more effectively.”
One crucial element of the programme is its emphasis on real-world application. After the initial module sessions held throughout July and August, teachers entered a six-week implementation phase in their schools, where they applied their new skills in a real classroom setting.
During this period, facilitators conducted supervisory visits, encouraging teachers to reflect on their experiences, share insights with their peers, and discuss any challenges they faced.
As Dr Roslena explained, “This practical approach allows teachers to see first-hand how their new skills can transform the classroom environment. They also get the chance to work together, forming supportive professional networks that last well beyond the end of the programme.”
Teachers in the workshop report a noticeable difference in how students respond to their lessons, attributing these positive changes to their improved teaching skills.
Ustaz Shahnon bin Haji Basman, a religious teacher at PGGMB Sungai Akar Primary School, spoke highly of the programme.
“It’s increased my motivation and given me more ideas for creative lesson planning. This has translated to a noticeable boost in student engagement and motivation,” he said.
FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT FOR LASTING IMPACT
Realising that a one-time workshop might not be enough to drive long-term improvement, BDLTA and SHBIE have put in place various support mechanisms to ensure the programme’s lasting impact.
“We are committed to supporting these teachers long-term,” Dr Roslena affirmed.
“After the programme, participants join a professional learning community, where they can exchange ideas, share challenges, and receive feedback. Peer mentoring, team-based learning, and ongoing collaboration will be essential as they continue to refine their skills.”
To strengthen this community, selected participants are trained as facilitators, allowing them to become mentors for future cohorts. Dr Norhazlin added that having skilled educators who can train others creates a sustainable model. “This way, we’re not just providing knowledge – we’re building a network of educators who can inspire and support each other as they grow.”
Participants report that this follow-up support has been invaluable. Ustazah Siti Erdawati noted that her school has been highly supportive of her participation, providing time off for the sessions and encouraging her to share what she’s learned with her colleagues.
This continuous support from schools reinforces the programme’s impact, ensuring that the skills and knowledge gained during the workshop continue to shape classroom experiences.
A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
Reflecting on the programme’s success, Dr Roslena acknowledges the unique strengths of the partnership between BDLTA, SHBIE, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“This collaboration brings together academic expertise and practical insights to create a training programme that is truly responsive to teachers’ needs,” she said. The integrated approach, which combines Islamic educational principles with modern teaching techniques, offers a promising model for other educational initiatives within the region.
Ustaz Shahnon, who has seen first-hand the benefits of the programme, echoes this sentiment.
“I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and new techniques to help students learn in a way that’s meaningful to them. It’s inspiring to see how much we can achieve together as educators.”
Brunei’s Pedagogical Enhancement Programme for Religious Teachers not only enhances the skills of today’s educators but also paves the way for future improvements in Islamic education.
Through this collaborative approach, Brunei is setting a high standard in the continuous professional development of religious teachers, ensuring that Islamic education remains a source of inspiration, understanding, and personal growth for its students. – James Kon
